Meet Fierra Staley | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fierra Staley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fierra, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up In a large family in the deep countryside, my siblings and I always found ways to create, produce an entertain. My dad bought us a camera and we use to make our own sets, props, wardrobe, write scripts and film our own little, short movies. We even use to invite our family and neighbors to our yard and we would sing, dance, do poetry, show our art, you name it, we did it. It always stuck with me, creating the things we didn’t have. Having a voice in the form of artistic ability, that stuck with me even when people would act like being an artist wasn’t a real job. I continued to produce and put myself out there and use my art to express and advocate. And it serves me to this day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been painting since I was in grade school but established Dan Lux Art Ltd Co. a year ago in order to further establish my brand. As a child I remember meeting an exceptional Carolina artist by the name of Leo Twiggs who’ s work was a great motivator in me continuing to pursue art despite being told by multiple teachers that art was not a “real job.” At one point I stopped painting for a couple of years entering college, and I attempted to “be more realistic” as the dream killers call it. I would still sketch here and there and study art, an artist who have influenced my work like Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Annie Lee. In 2015, I realized that I got caught up in the day to day and wasn’t serving my creative spirit and decided to put myself out there. So, I made a promise to myself to create and present my art for sale and give other local artists the opportunity to do so as well. I begin painting everyday and by the 1st of Jan 2016 I had 10 paintings completed. I remember my friend Joe seeing the paintings for the first time and with no idea what I was doing with them, he asked, “When are we showing these”. He found me a venue and I created Feva Fest 16’! This was the first time I was excited and fearless about what I was doing artistically. My family and friends had a great hand in helping me create an amazing experience for the community and we featured 10 local artists, who all showed up and performed their type of art. The venue was packed to capacity, the energy was authentic, and I was proud. My art received such beautiful feedback, and there I sold my first painting for more than I got paid biweekly at my 9-5. This was a beautiful moment for me, not because of the money but because the moment released me from the influence of those who met me with reluctance about me wanting to be an artist growing up. It made it real, and it defied the seed that was planted. The following year we did another show, and since then I have been creating undoubtfully, and unapologetically and have continued to sell my work all over the US. This journey has not been easy, I am still building and betting on myself every day. I can’t begin to explain all the reason I’ve had in this life to never start, or to just stop, but I’ve overcome because I feel my purpose has been bigger than the doubt. I just launched Merch for my brand this year to spread my message to the world through art and apparel. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to always trust your abilities and care less about what that may look like to others. As far as the Dan Luxe Art brand I just want the world to know that its only getting better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d def have go to little 5 points, bcz I love thrifting and checking out the artist who post up. During the week Apt4B with Louie Vee is a must, amazing food and vibes. Hopefully while they’re in town we can also check out Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and a Deeper ATL event, I haven’t been to one that I didn’t enjoy! I also love a good paint and sip in piedmont park in the spring so that’s a got relaxing vibe and finish off a Sunday with the HIGH MUSEUM and Roc’s for dinner !

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think my siblings deserve the grandest shoutout to my success. I would not be where I am today without my tribe. They not only believe in me but they show up in all forms of support. Whether its personal guidance, social media marketing, or getting down dirty and covered in paint, they are all true creatives. The most important thing to me is having a circle of people who SEE me and HEAR me. I think a lot of times it’s easy to have people who like what you can produce, and they root for you and make suggestions in the ways that yield instant monetary gain. But having people who connect with your vision, value intention, and understand that you’re building for impact, longevity and legacy is priceless. My siblings are the ones that when I say, “I don’t just want the views, I want to take it to the moon,” they start sourcing parts for the spacecraft no questions asked. That’s the most valuable type of support you can receive, the type that wants for you, all that you want for yourself and vice versa. For that I am forever grateful.

Website: Danluxeart.com

Instagram: @danluxeart

Other: personal Instagram @fefetaughtme